ALEX FRANCO
STAFF WRITER

A cool, breezy Thursday evening in San Marcos saw the #1 nationally ranked CSUSM softball team exert their power over Hope International University, sweeping them in a double header. The first game was an easy victory for CSUSM as they won handily 8-0 in five innings.

Game two of the series was just as dominant as the lady Cougars scored right off the bat in the first inning with a RBI single from sophomore Alex Miller driving in Kaitlin McGinley. The Cougars scored in three straight innings from the third to the fifth, solidifying their victory and showing exactly why they are number 1 in the nation.

The player of the game was by far senior infielder, Alyssa Dronenburg, who went 2-3 on the day with a second inning solo homerun and a double late in the game. Senior Theresa Houle also helped the girls to victory with a 3-3 day which included a RBI.

The top ranked Cougars were catalyzed by the strong pitching of freshman Katie Wilkinson who pitched a strong five innings for the team, allowing just two hits and striking out three HIU players.

“Our pitching staff has been doing really well. Almost half of our wins, have been by shut-out (16). Plus, we are hitting really well, which actually gives our defense confidence. Our pitchers and defense can play a lot more relaxed when we have a 5 or 6 run lead,” Head Coach, Dave Williams said.

This counts as the 25th win in the last 26 games for women’s softball. Look for the Cougars to continue their dominance at the next home game this Thursday, April 5 against Vanguard.

Photo: Senior member, Alyssa Dronenburg, waits for the perfect pitch before swinging the bat. Photo by Alex Franco